ES_current_info_2009_2010

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND Founded in 1956

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRENT INFORMATION 2009-2010 PRE-KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 6

TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement Welcome Administration & Faculty Elementary School by the Numbers Core Knowledge at a Glance Curriculum Overview American Section - Pre-Kindergarten - Grades K - 6 Language & Literacy Mathematics & Science History & Geography Italian Italian Section Grades 1 - 6 - Lingua e Letteratura Italiana - Storia e Geografia - Matematica e Scienze - English as an Additional Language Supplementary Studies - Visual Arts - Music - Physical Education - Core Virtues - Structured English Immersion

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Academic Policies & Programs After-School-Activities Program - Attendance - Behavior & Conduct - Facilities - Grading System - Lunches - Medical Procedure - Morning Meetings & Assemblies - Small Classes - Snacks - Supplies & Textbooks - Technology - Testing - Tutoring - Uniforms Parental Participation - Class Parents - TASIS Parent Association - Parent Advisory Committee Calendar 2009-2010

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MISSION STATEMENT TASIS is a family of international schools that welcomes young people from all nationalities to an educational community which fosters a passion for excellence along with mutual respect and understanding. Consistent with the vision of its founder, M. Crist Fleming, TASIS is committed to transmitting the heritage of Western civilization and world cultures: the creations, achievements, traditions, and ideals from the past that offer purpose in the present and hope for the future. Seeking to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the love of wisdom, and promoting the skills of lifelong learning, an appreciation for beauty, and the development of character, each school combines a challenging academic program with opportunities for artistic endeavor, physical activity, and service to others. Believing in the worth of each individual and the importance of enduring relationships, TASIS seeks to embody and instill the values of personal responsibility, civility, compassion, justice, and truth.

Dear Parents and Students, Please accept a warm welcome to TASIS Elementary and Lugano on behalf of myself, the Faculty, and the Staff of the TASIS Elementary School. This is a special place and a dynamic community. TASIS Elementary offers a challenging academic program balanced with a nurturing, creative, and joyful learning environment, caring and committed teachers, and helpful and involved parents. Core Knowledge, the backbone of our curricular program, is designed to provide students with knowledge based on cultural literacy. By design, the program provides equal footing for students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences in a common, shared culture in the tradition of the liberal arts. This program, along with our commitment to fostering a creative, structured, and safe environment for learning, provides students with the fundamentals necessary to develop an educated, responsible, and virtuous spirit.

Sincerely, Nyman Brooks, Head of the Elementary School

ADMINISTRATION & FACULTY Founder of the Elementary School Lynn Fleming Aeschliman received her B.A. from Columbia University. Daughter of TASIS Founder M. Crist Fleming, and a graduate of TASIS herself, Mrs. Aeschliman dreamed in the early 1980s of starting an elementary school in Ticino. Twenty-five years later, in 2005, her dream became a reality when she opened the TASIS Elementary School, the first English-language primary school in Ticino. Formerly Executive Director of the entire TASIS enterprise and now Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Aeschliman has been involved with the many dimensions of TASIS since its inception as one of its first students over fifty years ago.

She has also directed educational programs for young children in Virginia, French Switzerland, and France. Her husband, Dr. Michael D. Aeschliman, professor at Boston University’s School of Education and at the University of Italian Switzerland, serves as Curricular Advisor to TASIS and is responsible for bringing Core Knowledge to the three TASIS elementary schools in England, Puerto Rico, and Switzerland.

Headmaster Michael Ulku-Steiner holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Interdisciplinary Studies (English, Spanish, and Art History) and Master’s Degrees in Liberal Studies from Duke University and in Educational Administration from Teachers’ College, Columbia University.

He is delighted to be back in Montagnola after serving as TASIS Dean of Students from 2000-2003 and Upper School Director at Durham Academy (North Carolina) from 20032008. In addition to his demanding schedule attending to the needs of the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, our Headmaster can often be seen playing active sports on campus with the students or spending time with his family. His wife Beril serves as TASIS Counselor, and his children attend the local elementary school to learn Italian fluently.

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Head of the Elementary School Nyman Brooks comes to TASIS as the founding director and principal of Odyssey Charter School in American Fork, Utah. He graduated with honors from the University of Utah and holds B.A. degrees in History and in Economics, along with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. He attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University where he studied diplomacy and foreign trade. He earned a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah.

Mr. Brooks worked for five years at the Central Intelligence Agency before discovering his love of the classroom and his passion for teaching. He returned to school at Weber State University and earned his teaching credentials. Over the next fifteen years, Mr. Brooks taught in public, private and public charter schools, and at the university level. He taught every grade from 6th grade in elementary school through 12th grade in high school. Mr. Brooks also served as an assistant principal at Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts in St. George, Utah. His favorite teaching experience was being a stay-at-home dad for four years when his two children were infants. His son is in 6th grade at TASIS Elementary and his daughter attends the Middle School.

Elementary School Faculty The heart of any school is its faculty and staff. TASIS Elementary is proud and pleased to have assembled a dynamic and highly-educated faculty. To be considered for an appointment at TASIS Elementary three things are important: an undergraduate degree in a liberal arts discipline combined with an appropriate education credential; at least three years as a lead classroom teacher; and a passion for the process of learning and working with young children.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACULTY AMERICAN SECTION Pre-Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten Aide Kindergarten Kindergarten 1st Grade 1st Grade 2nd Grade 2nd Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 6th Grade Educational Technology & Math Italian Italian Italian Italian Special Needs Structured English Immersion Grades K-2 Structured English Immersion Grades 3-6

Ilse Van Osterwijk B.Ed., Fontys University (Netherlands) Judy Williams B.A., M.A., Lake Forest College, Rutgers University Carol Hinchliff B.Ed., M.A., University of Alberta, Chapman University Julia Wilkins B.S., Boston University School of Education Aimee Hall B.S., Utah State University Emily Lynch B.A., M.Ed., Syracuse University, CUNY-Lehman College Alice Keen B.A., M.A., Connecticut College, University of San Francisco Carla Santoro B.A., M.Ed., University of Massachusetts, Lesley University Kaycee Shingler B.S., Florida State University Sarah Boughey B.S., Indiana University Bernie LeClaire B.Ed., University of Saskatchewan Peggy Downs B.A., California Lutheran University Perri Sartorelli B.A., Alfred University Marie LeClaire B.A., B.Ed., University of Western Ontario Lizzie Johnson B.A., M.Ed., University of Florida Emily Sloan B.A., M.A., Hanover College, University of Colorado Blair Anstey B.A., M.A., Boston College, Boston University Laurent Carsana B.S., Universita della Svizzera Italiana Carmen De Grazia M.A., Université de Lausanne Linda Irace Siclari M.A., Università di Urbino Milena Musarò Sindona M.A., Université La Sorbonne Hermione Fadlon B.A., Cardiff University Charlotte Zanecchia B.S., University of Oregon Beth Fitts B.A., M.A., Trinity University

ITALIAN SECTION Administrator for Grades 1-6; Curriculum Coordinator for Grades 1-9 Grades 1/2 Grades 3/4 Grades 5/6 English as an Additional Language English as an Additional Language Science

Guia Berera M.A., Università degli Studi di Milano Alessia Riva M.A., Università di Pavia Cecilia Origoni B.A., Lausanne University, Alta Scuola Pedagogica di Locarno Federica De Bianchi M.A., Università degli Studi di Milano Mara Bernasconi M.A., Università degli Studi di Milano Hermione Fadlon B.A., Cardiff University Laurent Carsana B.S., Universita della Svizzera Italiana

SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES Art Music Music Music Physical Education

Caroline Colombo B.A., L.L.B., London Institute, University College London Sarah Grove B.A., Azusa Pacific University Agnieszka Grzybowska, Music Academies in Wroclaw and Gdansk Dessislava Deltcheva, Music College, Sofia; Conservatory, Neuchâtel Giorgio Volpi B.S., M.Ed., Weber State University

ADMINISTATIVE SUPPORT - Executive Assistant to the Elementary School Head - After-School-Activities Coordinator; Receptionist

Jutta Mauro, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Germany Sara Soncina B.A., Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy

TASIS Elementary School by the Numbers: Collective number of years of lead classroom teaching experience: Number of teachers: Number of students: Teacher to student ratio: Nationalities represented: Mother tongues represented: Average homeroom class size: Number of classrooms: Libraries: Art studios: Levels of Italian taught: (Italian I, II, III, and mother tongue)

158 34 190 1 to 6 26 20 10 pupils 21 2 1 4 3

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Core Knowledge at a Glance:

Pre-Kindergarten Language I. Oral Language II. Nursery Rhymes, Poems, Fingerplays and Songs III. Storybook Reading and Storytelling IV. Emerging Literacy Skills

Language Arts/English

Orientation in Time & Space History and Time Geography I. Vocabulary II. Measure of Time III. Passage of Time (Past, Present, Future) Space I. Vocabulary II. Actual and Represented Space III. Simple Maps IV. Basic Geographical Concepts Visual Arts I. Attention to Visual Detail II. Creating Art (Printing, Painting, Drawing, Collage, Sculpture) III. Looking at and Talking About Art Music I. Attention to Differences in Sound II. Imitate and Produce Sounds III. Listen and Sing IV. Listen and Move Mathematics I. Patterns and Classification II. Geometry III. Measurement IV. Numbers and Number Sense V. Addition and Subtraction with Concrete Objects VI. Money Science I. Human Characteristics, Needs and Development II. Animal Characteristics, Needs and Development III. Plant Characteristics, Needs and Growth IV. Physical Elements (Water, Air, Light) V. Tools Autonomy and Social Skills I. Sense of Self and Personal Responsibility II. Working in a Group Setting Work Habits I. Memory Skills II. Following Directions III. Task Persistence and Completion Movement and Coordination I. Physical Attention and Relaxation II. Gross Motor Skills III. Eye-Hand and Eye-Foot Coordination IV. Group Games V. Creative Movement and Expression

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Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

I. II. III. IV.

I. Reading and Writing II. Poetry III. Fiction IV. Sayings and Phrases

I. Reading and Writing II. Poetry III. Fiction (Stories; Greek Myths; Tall Tales) IV. Sayings and Phrases

World: I. Geography II. Early Civilizations (Mesopotamia; Ancient Egypt; History of WorId Religions) III. Mexico American: I. Early People and Civilizations (Maya, Inca, Aztec) II. Early Exploration and Settlement III. American Revolution IV. Early Exploration of American West V. SymboIs and Figures

World: I. Geography II. Early Civilizations: Asia (India; China) III. Modern Civilization and Culture: Japan IV. Ancient Greece American: I. American Government: The Constitution II. War of 1812 III. Westward Expansion IV. CiviI War V. Immigration and Citizenship VI. Civil Rights VII. Geography of the Americas VIII. Symbols and Figures

I. II. III.

Art from Long Ago Elements of Art Kinds of Pictures: Portrait and Still Life

I. Elements of Art II. Sculpture III. Kinds of Pictures: Landscapes IV. Abstract Art V. Architecture

Reading and Writing Poetry Fiction Sayings and Phrases

World: I. Spatial Sense II. Overview of Seven Continents American: I. Geography II. Native American Peoples,

Past and Present III. Early Exploration and

Settlement (Columbus;

Pilgrims; Independence Day) IV. Presidents, Past and Present V. Symbols and Figures

Visual Arts

I. II. III.

Music

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding III. Songs

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding (Composers; Orchestra; Opera; Ballet; Jazz) III. Songs

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding (Orchestra; Keyboards; Composers) III. Songs

Mathematics

I. II. III. IV. V. VI.

Patterns and Classification Numbers and Number Sense Money Computation Measurement Geometry

I. Patterns and Classification II. Numbers and Number Sense III. Money IV. Computation V. Measurement VI. Geometry

I. Numbers and Number Sense II. Fractions III. Money IV. Computation V. Measurement VI. Geometry

Science

I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII.

Plants and Plant Growth Animals and Their Needs Human Body (Five Senses) Introduction to Magnetism Seasons and Weather Taking Care of the Earth Science Biographies

I. Living Things and Their Environments II. Human Body (Body Systems) III. Matter IV. Properties of Matter: Measurement V. Introduction to Electricity VI. Astronomy VII. The Earth VIII. Science Biographies

I. Cycles in Nature (Seasonal Cycles; Life Cycles; Water Cycle) II. Insects III. Human Body (Cells; Digestive and Excretory Systems) IV. Magnetism V. Simple Machines VI. Science Biographies

Elements of Art Sculpture Looking at and Talking about Works of Art

Who decided what’s in the sequence?

THE CORE KNOWLEDGE SEQUENCE is the result of research into the content and structure of the highest performing elementary school systems around the world, as well as extensive consensus-building among diverse groups and interests, including

Major Topic Headings for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Six Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

I. Reading and Writing II. Poetry III. Fiction (Stories; Norse Myths; Greek and Roman Myths) IV. Sayings and Phrases

I. Writing, Grammar, and Usage II. Poetry III. Fiction (Stories; Legends of King Arthur) IV. Speeches V. Sayings and Phrases

I. Writing, Grammar, and Usage II. Poetry III. Fiction and Drama (Stories; Shakespeare; Myths and Legends) IV. Speeches V. Sayings and Phrases

I. Writing, Grammar, and Usage II. Poetry III. Fiction and Drama (Stories; Shakespeare; Classical Myths) IV. Sayings and Phrases

World: I. World Geography (Spatial Sense; Canada; Important Rivers) II. Ancient Rome (Geography of Mediterranean Region; Roman Empire; “Decline and Fall”) III. The Vikings American: I. The Earliest Americans II. Early Exploration of North America III. The Thirteen Colonies: Life and Times Before the Revolution

World: I. World Geography (Spatial Sense; Mountains) II. Europe in Middle Ages III. Spread of Islam and “Holy Wars” IV. Early and Medieval African Kingdoms V. China: Dynasties and Conquerors American: I. American Revolution II. Making a Constitutional Government III. Early Presidents and Politics IV. Reformers V. Symbols and Figures

World: I. W. Geography (Spatial Sense; Lakes) II. Meso-American Civilizations III. European Exploration, Trade, and Clash of Cultures IV. Renaissance and Reformation V. England from “Golden Age” to “Glorious Revolution” VI. Russia: Early Growth and Expansion VII. Feudal Japan American: I. Westward Expansion II. Civil War: Causes, Conflicts, Consequences III. Native Americans: Cultures and Conflicts IV. U.S. Geography

World: I. World Geography (Spatial Sense; Deserts) II. Lasting Ideas from Ancient Civilizations (Judaism and Christianity; Greece and Rome) III. Enlightenment IV. French Revolution V. Romanticism VI. Industrialism, Capitalism, and Socialism VII.Latin American Independence Movements American: I. Immigration, Industrialization, and Urbanization II. Reform

I. Elements of Art II. American Indian Art III. Art of Ancient Rome and Byzantine Civilization

I. Art of Middle Ages II. Islamic Art and Architecture III. Art of Africa IV. Art of China V. Art of a New Nation: The USA

I. Art of the Renaissance II. American Art: Nineteenth-Century United States III. Art of Japan

I.

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding (Orchestra; Composers) III. Songs

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding (Orchestra; Vocal Ranges; Composers) III. Songs

I. Elements of Music II. Listening and Understanding (Composers; Connections) III. American Musical Traditions (Spirituals) IV. Songs

I. Elements of Music II. Classical Music: From Baroque to Romantic (Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann)

I. Numbers and Number Sense II. Fractions and Decimals III. Money IV. Computation V. Measurement VI. Geometry

I. Numbers and Number Sense II. Fractions and Decimals III. Money IV. Computation V. Measurement VI. Geometry

I. Numbers and Number Sense II. Ratio and Percent III. Fractions and Decimals IV. Computation V. Measurement VI. Geometry VII. Probability and Statistics VIII.Pre-Algebra

I. Numbers and Number Sense II. Ratio, Percent, and Proportion III. Computation IV. Measurement V. Geometry VI. Probability and Statistics VII.Pre-Algebra

I. Introduction to Classification of AnimaIs II. Human Body (Muscular, Skeletal, and Nervous Systems; Vision and Hearing) III. Light and Optics IV. Sound V. Ecology VI. Astronomy VII.Science Biographies

I. Human Body (Circulatory and Respiratory Systems) II. Chemistry (Atoms; Matter; Elements; Solutions) III. Electricity IV. Geology: Earth and Its Changes V. Meteorology VI. Science Biographies

I. Classifying Living Things II. Cells: Structures and Processes III. Plant Structures and Processes IV. Life Cycles and Reproduction V. Human Body (Endocrine and Reproductive Systems) VI. Chemistry: Matter and Change VII. Science Biographies

I. Plate Tectonics II. Oceans III. Astronomy: Gravity, Stars, and Galaxies IV. Energy, Heat, and Energy Transfer V. Human Body (Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems) VI. Science Biographies

parents, teachers, scientists, professional curriculum organizations, and experts from the Core Knowledge Foundation’s Advisory Board on multicultural traditions. Provisional versions of the Sequence were reviewed and revised by panels of

Art History: Periods and Schools (Classical; Gothic; Renaissance; Baroque; Rococo; Neoclassical; Romantic; Realism)

teachers, and in 1990 a national conference was convened at which twenty-four working groups hammered out a draft sequence. This draft was fine-tuned during a year of implementation at Three Oaks Elementary in Fort Myers, Florida.

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C U R R I C U L U M O V E RV I E W AMERICAN SECTION Pre-Kindergarten

The Pre-Kindergarten class, for children turning 4 on or before September 30th of the year of entry, is self-contained and runs full days, Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 15:15, and includes lunch. The subject matter for Pre-K directly follows the Core Knowledge Pre-school Sequence™ in all subject areas.

Grades K - 6

Our curriculum is content rich and closely aligned with the Core Knowledge Sequence™. Students develop a respect and love for learning while acquiring the strong basic skills and knowledge that they will need to continue their own education. It is our intention to give students a full and wellrounded program in academic subjects and the creative arts. A parent meeting will be held at the start of the school year to discuss the curriculum in detail. The curriculum focuses on the teaching of specific skills within the core subjects: reading & literacy, mathematics, science, history & geography, art & art history, and music. In addition, all students study English in depth. Subjects are presented in an integrated manner; for example, reading historical fiction that encompasses goals from both the reading and history curricula. All students in the American Section take Italian five periods a week at beginning or intermediate level and study art and physical education in Italian and English. We have a Core Knowledge expert on staff to help enhance the children’s studies as the school moves toward achieving official Core Knowledge status.

Language & Literacy is closely tied to the Core Knowledge Sequence and is based on a full-range study of vocabulary, comprehension, study skills, listening, and speaking activities. Children read stories, poems, plays, folk tales, fables, biographies, true-to-life narratives, and full-length novels. The Elementary School has two libraries which augment classroom collections. Children are encouraged to read both fiction and non-fiction topics that reinforce cross-curricular themes and learning, as well as helping them to understand the common humanity of the world community past and present. The Elementary School uses SRA Reading Mastery. This is a research-based and highly effective reading approach to reading instruction.

All students have meaningful, ongoing assessments to determine placement in the appropriate reading group.

All areas of reading development are covered, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and fluency.

Reading instruction is scheduled every day and supplementary materials are available in the classroom.

Reading skills are strengthened and reinforced in all of the subject areas.

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Children are also encouraged to read independently for their own enjoyment, in addition to daily home reading, book sharing, reading journals, and other book-related projects.

The Elementary School integrates a common and consistent approach to handwriting, spelling, and vocabulary acquisition.

For handwriting, teachers use Handwriting Without Tears, a highly successful program that assists students with their penmanship. For composition, teachers apply the Six-Traitsto-Writing approach, which develops confident and competent writing skills. For vocabulary and spelling, teachers use directives developed at the Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction, modified to suit the appropriate grade level.

Students in Grades 3-6 also have Grammar integrated as part of their overall Literacy Program. Students understand the parts of speech, basic syntax and structure, and demonstrate solid writing skills. The program is designed around studentteacher interaction where the teacher models the new step in the method and then students actively participate with the teacher as the steps are practiced. Students are able to learn using not only visual but auditory and kinesthetic learning styles as well.

Mathematics & Science: Math is designed to build a foundation of arithmetic theory for students that will position them for more advanced math. The Singapore Math program does this by first introducing students to a few key concepts with concrete examples and pictures. Then the student is led progressively and logically to understand the abstract concept. This Asian model is a direct inverse to much current mathematical educational practice in the United States where many concepts are taught during the early years, progressing to just a few by the upper elementary and middle school levels. Singapore Math is a prudent balance between drill and creative problem solving. Those who have compared Singapore Math with other math curricula report that it moves students more quickly and rationally toward abstract concepts. There is an emphasis on homework and practice and an effective mix of word problems, drills, and mental calculation. Adaptations will be made for students whose mother tongue is a language other than English to ensure that mathematics instruction is challenging and appropriate. Singapore Math correlates the math objectives outlined in the Core Knowledge Sequence.

Science is taught in Grades K-6 in topics from three major areas: life science, earth science, and physical science, with a “hands-on” approach that includes labs and experiments.

TASIS Elementary utilizes FOSS Science kits with supplementary materials to best align with the challenging

ITALIAN SECTION Grades 1 - 6 science rubrics of Core Knowledge. These kits provide a systematic approach to Scientific Theory, discovery, measurement, and reason that is appropriate, challenging, and of high interest to students.

In addition, our teachers supplement science lessons with plans and materials from area museums and universities that provide up-to-date, timely topics on a variety of science and technology issues. For the American Section, Mathematics and Science are taught solely in English.

History & Geography: The Core Knowledge Sequence is used as the basis for the History and Geography modules, which provide rich content in both World and American history at each grade level. TASIS also makes use of “living book” resources that are available for implementing the Core Knowledge History and Geography content.

TASIS utilizes the recently-published Pearson Core Knowledge History series for grades K-6. This program was specifically developed to support the Core Knowledge Sequence. The Pearson texts are classical in approach and historical epochs serve as the framework for discussions of art, science, literature, philosophy, and politics. Key vocabulary is reinforced and students are encouraged to make connections across the disciplines using history as a starting point. Students will possess a solid base of knowledge in both American and World history, understand and be able to discuss the cause and effect of historical events, and demonstrate an understanding of how historical events have influenced the world.

Italian language instruction for American Section students is taught at four different levels. Beginning Italian students learn basic Italian that is useful for living in an Italian-speaking environment. At this level the teaching focuses on oral communication and the teaching approach is learning through games. The second level is for students who can already speak some Italian. At this level they begin learning grammar and will start to write small paragraphs and to read short and simple stories. The third level is for students who are ready for more advanced studies including literature, conversation, and writing. The fourth section is for mother-tongue Italian speakers. At this level the students study every aspect of the language – speaking, listening, writing, and reading, as if they were in an Italian-speaking school. Students receive five periods of Italian-language instruction per week.

Students who have resided in Ticino for more than six years enroll in the Italian Section. Italian Section classes are grouped by grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 for language, literature, history, geography, and science in Italian. Students in the Italian Section study English as a core subject and have regular opportunities to interact with their American Section peers socially and academically. Art and PE are taught in Italian and English for all students and Music is in English. Students in the Italian Section take Singapore Math in English. Children identified as having Italian or another language as their mother tongue and who are not fluent in English will be placed in EAL (English as an Additional Language) reinforcement classes as well as receive EAL support in the American Section classroom for a total of seven periods each week including Reading Mastery classes. The goal of the Italian Section is to provide academic content in Italian while developing fluency in English over a period of years. Students are challenged not only to speak Italian and English, but to read and write in both languages.

Periodic assessments will be utilized to monitor placement and to address gaps in learning and language acquisition. * * * I programmi della Sezione Italiana si pongono l’obiettivo di dare agli studenti una profonda e solida istruzione. La realizzazione di questo primario obiettivo è resa possibile grazie alla combinazione tra i programmi scolastici della scuola elementare italiana e il Core Knowledge, il quale li impreziosisce e arricchisce allargando l’orizzonte di studio.

Gli studenti iniziano a studiare tutte le discipline, comprese quelle storiche, geografiche e scientifiche, già dal primo anno di scuola elementare ricevendo una modalità di insegnamento consona alla loro capacità di apprendimento.

In questo modo agli studenti è data la possibilità di iniziare a studiare le civiltà antiche, la geografia del mondo e la letteratura, sin da questa età.

La Sezione Italiana si compone di tre classi combinate secondo la seguente suddivisione: 1/2; 3/4; 5/6. Nonostante si tratti di classi combinate, per alcune materie i programmi seguiti all’interno della medesima classe corrisponderanno al grado a cui uno studente appartiene. Questo significa che uno studente del primo grado e uno del secondo, pur trovandosi nella stessa classe, seguiranno programmi diversi per ciò che riguarda le materie letterarie (scrittura, lettura, letteratura, lingua e sintassi), mentre per ciò che riguarda storia, geografia e scienze, gli studenti di entrambe le classi seguiranno lo stesso programma che verrà alternato ogni anno.

Lingua e letteratura italiana: La studio della morfologia, della sintassi, delle regole ortografiche e della struttura grammaticale della lingua italiana viene affrontato in modo puntuale sin dal primo anno della scuola primaria.

Gli studenti iniziano dal primo anno di scuola ad apprendere i rudimenti della lingua italiana lavorando contemporaneamente e inscindibilmente sulle quattro competenze 7

linguistiche: ascoltare, parlare, leggere e scrivere. Nel triennio successivo si mira al consolidamento e all’approfondimento di queste quattro abilità di base.

Il metodo di lettura scelto privilegia una lettura intesa come interpretazione e non come semplice riconoscimento di suoni. Questo metodo sin dall’inizio abitua gli studenti a vedere le parole come elementi di un discorso che, a sua volta, si inserisce in un determinato contesto. I principi guida di questo metodo sono validi per l’intero ciclo di studi poiché aiutano gli studenti a riflettere sulle capacità d’uso della lingua italiana, fare anticipazioni del testo scritto, riconoscere la complessità e la ricchezza della lingua.

Al fine di costruire solide basi in tutte le competenze linguistiche risulta particolarmente importante avvicinare gli studenti di ogni grado alla letteratura da intendere, nei primi gradi, come ascolto di favole e racconti letti dall’insegnante; lettura spontanea di libri accuratamente selezionati sulla base delle competenze e degli interessi dei singoli allievi.

A partire dal quarto grado lo studio della letteratura è da intendersi come lettura individuale o d’insieme dei classici della letteratura italiana e mondiale. Nelle classi quinta e sesta gli studenti vengono avvicinati allo studio della letteratura epica classica e medievale.

Per ciò che concerne la lingua scritta, gli studenti si confrontano gradualmente con essa partendo dalla semplice descrizione di ciò che accade intorno a loro, per giungere, negli ultimi anni di scuola primaria, alla stesura di articolati e strutturati testi scritti di vario genere.

Gli alunni costruiscono e rafforzano le proprie abilità scritte attraverso il lavoro rigoroso dell’insegnante che è volto a renderli consapevoli dei passaggi da compiere al fine di realizzare una comunicazione efficace (pianificazione del messaggio che si vuole comunicare, sua organizzazione, scelta degli strumenti linguistici e lessicali). Per ogni grado sono previste un minimo di due classi al giorno dedicate allo studio di queste discipline. Queste abilità vengono altresì esercitate nelle altre discipline di studio, in particolar modo in quelle storiche.

Storia e Geografia: L’obiettivo della Sezione Italiana è quello di garantire una solida e profonda conoscenza della storia e della geografia del mondo, con uno sguardo particolare alla cultura europea. Anche nella Sezione Italiana si seguono principi fondamentali del metodo del Core Knowledge Sequence, secondo il quale, la conoscenza degli studenti si rafforza proponendo in modo sequenziale gli argomenti di studio, arricchendoli di sempre maggiori dettagli ogni anno, creando uno stretto legame tra le diverse discipline, così da dare una visione corale di un determinato argomento di studio.

Matematica e Scienze: Per ciò che concerne la Matematica gli studenti della Sezione Italiana si uniranno agli studenti dell’American Section e verranno inseriti nella classe di Singapore Math corrispondente al loro livello di conoscenza. La materia di Scienze verrà invece impartita in lingua italiana.

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English as an Additional Language (EAL): Questo corso offre agli studenti della Sezione Italiana la possibilità di acquisire e sviluppare la conoscenza della lingua inglese nelle quattro abilità linguistiche fondamentali: comprensione e produzione scritta, comprensione e produzione orale.

L’orario prevede sette lezioni settimanali suddivise come segue: una lezione al giorno in cui gli studenti della Sezione Italiana, insieme agli studenti della Sezione Americana e raggruppati secondo il livello di competenze corrispondente, seguono il programma di lettura SRA Reading Mastery (v. paragrafo Sezione Americana pag. 6). A queste lezioni si aggiungono due lezioni settimanali di EAL, riservate agli studenti della Sezione Italiana, dedicate all’approfondimento della grammatica, del lessico e della sintassi della lingua inglese.

SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES Visual Arts: To supplement Italian language learning in the American Section, art and physical education are taught in Italian and English. The TASIS visual arts program follows the Core Knowledge Sequence, which emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to Art History, introducing students to key movements of each period.

Students are expected to gain an appreciation for the interpretation of art, issues and viewpoints about art, understand the styles, influences, and themes in art, and the historical and cultural contexts in which the art was generated. In addition to Art History, students develop and gain increased understanding and skills in the visual elements of art making. Our art program aims to give each student a strong, applicable knowledge in the visual fundamentals – line, shape, and color. Beyond that, art is seen as a true discipline through which an artisticallydeveloped person can view the world and understand the different visions and expressions of his/her fellow human beings. In art classes, children study and apply art concepts such as abstraction, balance, line, form, pattern, shape, color, space, and texture through activities using clay, paint, wood, cloth, and metal. Our young artists display their work throughout the school and at art shows in both the fall and spring semesters.

Music: The TASIS music classes combine the framework of the Core Knowledge curriculum with additional approaches, such as Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze. Students learn about music and movement, singing, playing and composing on instruments, and reading and writing traditional notation. They are introduced to classical composers and their works. Students have the opportunity to perform at the annual Christmas concert and at various other events throughout the year.

Physical Education curriculum in the early years aims to see the child progressively develop coordination, body management, and physical skills. Activities are based on the principles of movement education. All classes have instruction in a variety of basic skills including running, jumping, kicking, catching, throwing, dodging, balance, juggling, force, levels, and dance. In the early grades, students develop an understanding of self/space and movement through space. Upper-elementary-grade students apply the basic skills in challenging games and activities that also incorporate lessons in sportsmanship, team play, and strategy. Health concepts and fitness activities are included in several units throughout the year. In all grade levels competition is de-emphasized and the focus is instead placed on the development of selfesteem, personal challenges, and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity. All grades attend Physical Education classes twice a week, taught in Italian and English.

Core Virtues: TASIS is not only committed to academic excellence, but moral excellence, including the core virtues of respect, compassion, courage, and responsibility. To help fulfill this commitment, TASIS utilizes the Core Virtues Program. This program is based upon the theory that children, through great children’s literature, can effectively learn those core virtues so necessary in our society – respect, responsibility, diligence, honesty, generosity, perseverance, courage, faithfulness, and compassion. Core Virtues is a literature-based, practical, non-sectarian approach to character education. The goal of Core Virtues is the cultivation of character through the promotion of basic moral, civic, and intellectual virtues. Core Virtues gives children the opportunity to learn the importance of goodness, virtue, and character through words and ideas that are not only understandable to them but also light a fire in their young minds and create a desire to be good people. Core Virtues will be introduced in Morning Meetings led by the Head of Elementary School and followed up in the classrooms. Parents are encouraged and invited to attend Morning Meetings.

Structured English Immersion: Structured English Immersion (SEI) is provided for all students in the American Section whose English is not fluent enough to follow regular classes independently. SEI teachers collaborate with grade-level teachers to support English-language learners as needed. These teachers will sometimes provide this support within the regular class and sometimes they will pull students out to work on vocabulary, grammar, syntax, structure, and basic English usage.

ACADEMIC POLICIES & PROGRAMS After-School-Activities Program: The Elementary School offers special activities after school at an additional cost.

Offerings include art, drama, ceramics, chess, sports, including soccer, basketball, fencing, horseback riding, and judo, and specialized tutoring, including private music lessons. Starting this autumn, besides French and German, English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Italian will enrich the program.

Options are announced within two weeks of the start of each semester.

Attendance: Simply being present is the most basic requirement for academic success. In-class participation is a vital aspect of learning and assessment. Reduction of class requirements cannot be expected for extended absences.

Prolonged absences may result in a lower grade, as there is no way to duplicate the activities of some classes while the student is absent. Students are expected to attend class, on time, every school day, unless properly excused by the school for legitimate reasons. These legitimate reasons include sickness, family emergencies, dangerous road conditions, or significant family events. Please note that the school, not the parents, excuses student absences.

Behavior and Conduct: We believe that behavior is heavily influenced by a person’s immediate environment. TASIS Elementary teachers and staff embrace this idea, and are responsible for teaching good moral behavior to children at school. We also feel that behavior responds better to positive consequences than to negative, and our approach to discipline is tailored to each student with an aim to encourage good behavior rather than relying on punishment.

All members of the TASIS community – students, parents, and staff – can expect an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and nurturing; is free of disruption and harassment; and is supportive of learning. Misbehavior that is frequent, intense, of long duration, disrupting to other’s learning, or creates an unsafe, harassing, or threatening environment, could result in a student’s removal from the classroom or from the school either temporarily or permanently.

We encourage students to do the following: • Practice good manners, treating all within the TASIS community with cordial dignity and respect.

• Use appropriate language.

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• Respect the legitimate authority of their teachers and follow directions the first time.

• Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.

• Strive for excellence and beauty in all they do.

Students shall not: • Engage in acts that are violent, intimidating, harassing, lewd, or aggressive.

• Be disruptive.

• Damage or take the property of others.

• Possess a weapon at school.

• Engage in any illegal activity.

Facilities: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2 is located at the newly-remodeled Al Focolare in Gentilino, only 500 meters from the main campus. Lunches and morning meetings for the younger grades are held at Bora da Besa.

There is parking and a public playground adjacent to Al Focolare. For grades 3 through 6, all classes and activities take place on the main campus in Certenago at Hadsall House, including its adjacent buildings and facilities.

Grading System: All students, Pre-K-6, receive grade reports in December and at the conclusion of the school year. Pre-K students receive summative narrative reports.

All other students in Grades K-6 receive subject area and concept mastery marks in addition to summative narrative reports.

Students who are in Structured English Immersion will receive an asterisk (*) next to their grades to denote that they are graded at their current level of English proficiency, not necessarily at actual grade level. In addition, students receive detailed comments from teachers reflecting citizenship, effort, and attitude.

Lunches are provided for all students and are served cafeteria-style in the cantina of Hadsall House for Grades 3-6. Pre-K-Grade 2 students are served at Bora da Besa across from Al Focolare. Parents are welcome to eat an occasional lunch with their children by sending a note to the homeroom teacher ahead of the visit. Lunch consists of a hot meal, tossed salad, cheese, milk, fruit, and dessert.

Menus are posted on the website (www.tasis.com/Switzerland).

Medical Procedure: Parents must complete an updated student medical history form before their child enters the School. TASIS has two nurses on duty who are available to treat serious injuries and illness which occur during the school day. All teachers and staff are certified in First Aid and CPR in case of emergencies. Children with a fever

greater than 38ºC (101ºF) who have vomited in the last 24 hours, or who have symptoms of any communicable disease or illness should be kept at home. All up-to-date medical information must be kept in the child’s folder. If the child has any special medical needs these should be made known to the homeroom teacher and the nurse, i.e., allergies to foods, medicines, bee stings, and the like; diabetes or other diagnosed medical diseases; hearing or sight problems; special medication or diets.

Morning Meetings & Assemblies: Weekly Morning Meetings are designed to develop a sense of community.

Pre-K-Grade 2 has its assembly on Mondays at 8:30 in Bora da Besa. Grades 3-6 meet on Fridays at 8:15 in the Pavilion in the fall and in the new Palmer Center in the spring.

Parents are always welcome to attend Morning Meetings and special assemblies.

Small Classes: Class size depends on enrollment and can vary from year to year. We strive to keep class sizes small and the ratio between students to teachers low. Results from research directed by organizations such as the National Education Association – and common sense – indicate the desirability of small classes to create environments where there is high academic achievement and positive selfesteem, and where social skills can be fostered.

Snacks are provided each day at mid-morning, consisting of water, cookies, cheese and crackers, juice, or fruit. Candy or gum should never be brought to school.

Supplies & Textbooks: All textbooks, manipulables, and other instructional material are the property of the school and students use them on a loan basis. Students are not allowed to write in their textbooks at any time. We also provide all necessary stationery supplies, workbooks, and other consumables for each student and these can be taken home at the end of the school year.

Technology: We are in our final year of a three-year technology plan. Our current classroom set of laptops has recently been buttressed by an additional ten computers, which allows for even greater technology integration in the classrooms.

Testing: Students are assessed and placed in leveled reading, math, and foreign language groups. In reading and math, students receive constant progress monitoring. At the end of the school year, students take the Stanford Achievement Test 10 (SAT10).

Tutoring: There may be times when a teacher or a parent may request tutoring for a student in any of the academic areas. It is the School’s policy that a student may not receive tutoring from his/her own teacher(s). The forms for requesting tutoring are available in the Elementary School office. The School will endeavor (but cannot always guarantee) to match students with appropriate tutors for

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after-school instruction. Private tutoring is charged separately through the School.

Uniforms: We strive to create an environment wherein children from all over the world and from differing socioeconomic situations can focus on their studies, feel comfortable, and learn together. Parents need to consider modesty, safety, and homogeneity when selecting shoes, a jacket, or an accessory not specifically described in detail in the policy.

Clothing must be clean and in good repair. When in doubt, err on the side of courtesy. The Head of the Elementary School is the final judge of what is and is not appropriate.

All TASIS-logo items are supplied by the TASIS uniform supplier, Lavinia Romani (lavinia.romani@sunrise.ch).

Parents may arrange to purchase non-TASIS-logo uniform items on their own or directly from Lands’ End in the United States.

Hats and headgear worn for style and comfort rather than for religious or medical reasons should be removed inside.

Accessories should be conservative, safe, and not create a distraction.

• Large-looped earrings or dangling jewelry are a safety concern.

• Precious jewelry – leave it home.

• Many piercings in one ear or piercings on other parts of the face or body are not acceptable • Other clothing may be worn over uniforms only when required by weather conditions.

Hair and makeup styles should be subtle to the degree of being almost unnoticeable and should require little or no distracting maintenance during the day. Hair must be a color found naturally within the human species.

Girls Uniform Items Tops: red or white polo shirt w/TASIS logo; red or white blouse; red or white long- or short-sleeved turtleneck Bottoms: navy skirt, skort or jumper; tailored navy slacks, cords, Bermuda shorts. No jeans, no leggings, no tabs, stripes, or large pockets.

Other: navy sweater w/TASIS logo, zipped or cardigan; navy vest w/TASIS logo Shoes per activity (see shoes, below) Boys Uniform Items Tops: red or white polo shirt w/TASIS logo; red or white dress shirt; red or white short sleeve shirt, in warmer months; red or white turtleneck Bottoms: tailored navy slacks, cords, Bermuda shorts. No jeans, no large pockets, no tabs, no stripes.

Other: navy sweater w/TASIS logo, zipped or cardigan; navy vest w/TASIS logo Shoes per activity (see shoes, below) PE, Boys and Girls navy shorts or sweat pants, no logos of any kind grey t-shirt w/ TASIS logo navy tracksuit, sweat pants, sweat shirt, or light jacket w/TASIS logo sneakers/athletic shoes must have non-marking soles, no slip-ons Shoes must be conservative, safe, appropriate for the activity, and not distracting. Leather-top dress shoes and sneakers are acceptable for most daily Elementary School activities. Sandals, open-toed shoes, dress shoes with slippery soles, loose laces, and high heels present safety hazards and are not appropriate. Heavy boots and sneakers with distracting flashing lights, attention-grabbing colors, patterns, or other distracting characteristics are also not appropriate.

PARENTAL PARTICIPATION We welcome appropriate and meaningful participation by parents, especially from those with great interest and expertise with an issue and who have demonstrated that they support the TASIS Mission, Paideia, and Aims.

The extent of parental involvement with certain issues is determined by the Head of the Elementary School.

Class Parents support and enrich children’s experiences within the individual classrooms under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

The TASIS Parent Association (TPA) is an independent, non-profit organization of parents, not formally affiliated with TASIS. The mission of this organization is to support and enhance the school program at all levels; to welcome new families, and promote a spirit of community by offering assistance, information, and friendship; and encourage parental support and participation to enrich the educational experiences of our children. The TPA raises funds to support various programs within the school.

The Parent Advisory Committee works in cooperation with the TPA to ensure elementary school parents are receiving helpful information that is relevant to their children’s success at the School.

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TASIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Any intelligent young person will always...survive mediocre or inept university teaching, whereas no one can escape unharmed from a mediocre or inept primary school education.

THIS should be THE issue of great concern.

Pierre Ryckmans, a great contemporary Sinologist,

The View from the Bridge: Aspects of Culture (1996)

2009-2010 Calendar August 31-September 4 – ES Faculty Orientation/Training September 7 September 8 October 7 October 19-23 October 28-30 November 11 November 26-27 December 18 December 19-Jan 10 January 11 February 3 February 15-16 March 8-12 March 27-April 11 April 28 June 4

Elementary School Open House First Day of Elementary School Classes Noon Dismissal (Staff Development) Fall Parent Conferences (School in Session) Fall Break Noon Dismissal (Staff Development) Thanksgiving Break Noon Dismissal Christmas Holiday First Day of Elementary School Classes (2nd Semester) Noon Dismissal (Staff Development) Spring Break Spring Parent Conferences (School in Session) Spring Holiday Noon Dismissal (Staff Development) Last Day of Elementary School Classes

Other Important Dates: August 15 September 4 September 7 October 27-30 November 26-27 December 17-January 8 January 9-January 16 February 14-19 March 29-April 9 June 3

Last day of the Summer Session MS/HS Students arrive MS/HS First Day of Classes MS/HS Fall Academic Travel Thanksgiving Break MS/HS Winter Break MS/HS Ski Week MS/HS Spring Academic Travel MS/HS Spring Holiday Last day of MS/HS Classes

TASIS

CH-6926 Montagnola, Collina d’Oro, Switzerland - Tel: +41 91 960 51 51 - Fax: +41 91 994 23 64 E-mail: admissions@tasis.ch - www.tasis.com Supported by

Credits: Drawings by G. Guglielmetti; Layout by M. Kestenholz - © TASIS VII-2009 - *500